This review is from: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs (Hardcover)"There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don't know why she swallowed a fly; perhaps she'll cry." How many of us learned this somewhat whacky, and very fun, song when we were young? I remember singing it over and over and giving myself a good laugh as I imagined all the strange things the old lady swallowed. Now, singer/songwriter Johnette Downing has put her own unique spin on the famous children's song in this 2010 adaptation of There Was An Old Lady.

In this newest version, our friendly old lady decides to try some, um, rather interesting new tasty treats. Rather than swallow a cow (as she did in the version I was taught many years ago), our protagonist concentrates on the world of bugs with hysterical results:

"There was an old ladyWho swallowed a mosquito.Well, it was eating her burrito,So she swallowed the mosquito."

The artwork in this latest version of the tale is done in a vibrant collage format that fits perfectly with the story. We never actually see a depiction of the old lady; instead we are shown a big mouth and tongue as they consume each bug, followed by a slowly filling tummy as the creatures congregate in their new "home." The author also adds numerous colorful background visuals, such as flowers, a cattail, and a sunset. But wait! There's a surprise ending where we do finally see the "Old Lady" and I'm guessing it will make most kids giggle with glee. Who is she? I can't tell you that - you'll have to read the book!

Quill says: A creative adaptation to a well known song that will have kids reading/singing along over and over.

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Johnette Downing is a multi-award winning author and musician performing music and presenting books with Louisiana spice for children globally. Dubbed the "Musical Ambassador for Children" by clients and fans across the globe, Johnette is dedicated to cultural exchanges with children through her concerts, music, books and poetry, and with educators through her keynotes and educator workshops. She has brought her Louisiana musical and literary gumbo to children in Korea, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and throughout the United States. She has also visited Hong Kong, England, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.